Senior Solicitor

First Nations Women's Legal Services Qld is a community based legal service developed by, and provided for, First Nations women. FNWLSQ is a small-medium CLC located in Townsville and Palm Island.

Over fifty percent of our current staff members are First Nations women.

First Nations Women's Legal Services Qld (FNWLSQ) provides legal assistance, advice and community legal education, and a DV duty lawyer service on Palm Island. FNWLSQ seeks to enhance access to justice for First Nations women and to promote change within the justice system informed by the experiences of First Nations women.

The Senior Solicitor will work in a team with other solicitors and the Principal Solicitor, to ensure the effective running of the legal service.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work with First Nations women, for the rights and interests of First Nations women in regional and remote areas of North Queensland.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• General Legal Service Practice:

• Support the Principal Solicitor to supervise and mentor the FNWLSQ legal team.

• Provide legal information, advice and casework services in accordance with FNWLSQ policies and procedures and to record work appropriately.
• Undertake casework in accordance with FNWLSQ casework guidelines.
• Provide legal advice and referrals by phone, video call, mail, email (as appropriate) and face to face.
• Conduct the carriage of legal matters including but not limited to taking instructions, giving legal advice, case conferencing, initiating or defending court action, representing clients in court and instructing Counsel where required.
• Provide face to face legal advice and undertake necessary follow-up work including recording information on advice sheets for CLASS purposes.
• Conduct outreach work when required.
• Comply with all Professional Indemnity requirements and Compulsory Professional Development requirements.
• Adhere to the Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2012.
• Manage client records and files in accordance with the Community Legal Centres Australia's Risk Management Guide.
• Contribute to community legal education and development
• Contribute to law reform work if requested in consultation with the Principal Solicitor.
• Any other duties as required by management team.

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws
• Eligible to hold a Practicing Certificate in Queensland.

Knowledge, Skills & Expertise

• Admission as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia
• Capacity to provide quality legal advice and casework
• Experience working with First Nations women preferred
• Experience providing legal advice to First Nations women preferred
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the capacity to deal with First Nations women in a culturally appropriate manner
• Ability to design and conduct Community Legal Education Programs for First Nations women as required
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and to work independently with a minimum of supervision
• Demonstrated ability in the use of current computer technology
• Hold a current, unrestricted Queensland Driver's Licence
• Hold a current Blue Card or be eligible to obtain same

Remuneration and Benefits

• Salary Sacrifice: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary sacrifice opportunities to reduce your tax liability.
• Remuneration Package from $119,090 to $128,621 plus superannuation.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for career and professional development are available.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counselling services available.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in continuous training opportunities throughout the year to advance your skills and expertise.

Next Steps

First Nations women solicitors encouraged to apply.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

A position description is attached.

Applications will be accepted until the closing date. However, please note that interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date if suitable candidates are identified. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure consideration.